Daughters of Charity keep their promise; star power rules at ballet fest

Daughters and Dance underscored two recent rounds of socializing. Hobnobbbing was to the festive fore.

The second annual "Keeping Our Promises" Gala of the Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans (DCSNO) took place at the First NBC Bank on Baronne Street and hailed local health advocates Clarence Adams, Sharon Alexis, and Dr. Robert Marier as the Inspired Cross Award honorees. Allied to chair the to-do were Holley Haag of the bank and Julio Rodriguez of Contract Furniture group, while Sally-Ann Roberts of WWL-TV strode forward as mistress of ceremonies. All the while, funds were raised to administer health care to the underserved.

From 6-7 p.m., patrons rubbed shoulders, turning an attentive ear to the music of Tanya Boutte and Friends and an appetite toward The Kitchen's fare. For the successive three hours, gallivanting was the "go" with specialty cocktails by Glazer's of Louisiana, more purveyance by The Kitchen, the Ka-Nection Band joining Tanya Boutte, and an auction. Among the choice items were a Hank Aaron-ball and bat, purchased respectively by George Bucher and Guy Curry and donated by Henry and Billye Aaron; and a private screening at Theatres at Canal Place donated by the Southern Theatres LLC and "won" by cinephile Dr. Danita Anderson.

Within the handsome bank environs were the floral touches by Mona's Accents. The light blue hydrangea, iris and genestra centerpieces teamed with the ornate silk damask linens in navy and silver from Perrier Party Rentals to provide a splendid partyscape. "I feel like I'm in a palace, " commented one of the gala principals.

Noted, too, were city of New Orleans Health Commissioner Dr. Karen DeSalvo, LaCare Network Development Director Shelly Wilkerson, and Daughters of Charity Foundation of New Orleans board members Robert Angelico (who's also on the DCSNO board, which is chaired by Sister Marie Therese Sedgwick, DC), Guy C. Curry (secretary), Patricia "Pat" Denechaud (vice chairwoman and joined by husband Dene), Sister Bonnie Hoffman DC, Dr. Marier, and M. Cleland Powell III, chairman, who had some of his artwork, "The Marsh, " in the auction.

Also milling about were LaVerne Saulny, Terrance and Stephanie Osborne, Dottie and Judge Kern Reese, Alton Ochsner "Tinker" Davis, Kertrina Watson Lewis, and Claiborne and Jeanie Perrilliat. Lots of others, as well, for whom "Charity" was the cause.

A stunning printed program made the Great White Way the social say for the terpsichorean troops. Created as a playbill, the cover announced the who, what and where: Delta Festival Ballet, La Fete du Ballet, and the Metairie Country Club. "Pre-show" was at 6:30 p.m. and "curtain rises" a half hour later. "Broadway Rhythms" titled the ado that celebrated the Giacobbe Academy of Dance and 70 years of dance excellence. According to the playbill program, "In 1943, the Giacobbe family embarked on a journey that would significantly reshape the dance world in the New Orleans metropolitan area and its region." Top sponsorial billing -- that of "Broadway" -- was attributed to Capital One. In keeping with the theme, auction boards and sponsor levels were named after Broadway- area streets, while show tunes monikered the music and dance entertainment.

Platinum was the color motif in keeping with the touted 70-year anniversary and was utilized in centerpieces of floating white and star-shaped platinum balloons anchored to the tables by platinum-colored top hats.

Generating the fundraising "green" were the two auctions, silent and live. In the former, 102 items rated zesty bidding, while in the live one, an NFL game football signed by Drew Brees, Marques Colston and Mark Ingram found a buyer in Ash Abbott, and tickets to "Wicked" and a limousine ride will make "winner" Dr. Peter Stedman enjoy the Big Apple in the Big Easy.

Additonal features were the emceeing of Kenner Mayor Michael S. Yenni; music by the Joe Simon Trio; a dance performance by 20 of Delta's young artists to a Broadway medley choreographed by ballet master Richard Rholdon, which elicited, "Wasn't it great to see the young dancers perform. Reminds us why we are here, " from a pleased party-goer; passed champagne and Shirley Temples (for young guests) on the country club's Patio Lawn; a gala supper finishing with Baked Alaska; and a presentation of awards for time and service by artistic director Joseph Giacobbe to Scott and Cara Dessens, Laurin Hart, Pam Touchet, and Ann Heath. Graduating senior Macy Dunne was also recognized.